Sharjah: Culture, Calligraphy and Special Places

Sharjah reveals itself in many different ways: in the Heart of Sharjah, restored coral-stone houses tell the story of the district’s architectural history, while Flag Island offers a different perspective with its striking buildings and amusement park. There is also calligraphy, historic meeting places and spots along the canal. Which of these impressions you want to shape your stay is a useful starting point for planning your trip and choosing your holiday apartment.

Discover History and Calligraphy

The Heart of Sharjah is a restored historic district with coral-stone houses. These include Bait Al Naboodah, dating from 1845. Narrow lanes lead to craft workshops and traditional cafés. This brings together views of historic architecture and insights into craftsmanship and everyday culture. The Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Heritage Days, among other events, are held in the district every year; events organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage also take place here. If a particular programme is important to your trip, it is worth checking the latest event dates.

Calligraphy also offers a distinctive way to engage with the city’s culture. The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum’s collection includes significant works by local and internationally renowned calligraphers. The works are created on canvas, wood, paper and ceramic—different surfaces that reveal the art form’s diversity. The museum also offers workshops where visitors can develop their calligraphy skills. If you are planning to attend one, it is a good idea to check the current workshop programme.

Another historic landmark is Majlis Al Midfa in the Heart of Sharjah. The square once served as a meeting place for regional intellectuals and merchants. Its circular barjeel, or wind tower, differs from the usual square design; it is also the only circular wind tower in the United Arab Emirates. A sculpture of the Holy Quran stands on a 14-metre-high pedestal in Cultural Square. Each of these places has its own focus: one features a distinctive architectural form and historic use, while the other is a striking work of art in the urban landscape.

Flag Island and Waterfront Spots

Flag Island brings together several different reasons to visit. Al Montazah Parks is on the island in Khalid Lagoon, opposite Central Souk. The park combines a water park and an amusement park and is considered a family outing destination. An amphitheatre with 1,000 seats is also located on Flag Island. It hosts live shows and concerts, as well as Flag Day and National Day celebrations. As the programme depends on event dates, checking the latest calendar can help with planning.

Another prominent feature of the island is its 123-metre-high flagpole. When it opened on 2 December 2012, it was described as the seventh-tallest in the world. This description specifically refers to the time of its opening. Together with the amphitheatre and parks, the flagpole gives Flag Island a different character from the lanes and historic buildings of the Heart of Sharjah.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

Al Qasba also offers a distinctive setting: its ensemble includes pedestrian bridges and a complex along the canal. Sharjah therefore brings together a variety of attractions, from historic architecture and calligraphy to island and canal settings. Those drawn to history and craftsmanship will find plenty to explore in the Heart of Sharjah; those interested in leisure activities and events can consider Flag Island. This makes it possible to choose a holiday apartment to suit the kind of stay you want, without shaping all your travel plans around the same type of outing.

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